23 Navy medals at Warrior Games

By Navy Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor Public Affairs

11:46 AM, May 29, 2013

Retired HM2 Max Rohn competes in track & field events May 14 at the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Games, hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee's Paralympics military program, provide an opportunity for wounded, ill and injured service members to participate in competitive sports against members of other branches of service. The Navy team ended up in third place, behind the Marines and the Army.

Photo by Lt. Michael Fallon / U.S. Navy

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) — Members of Team Navy joined with their competitors — as well as family and friends — to commemorate the successful conclusion of the 2013 Warrior Games May 16 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“Congratulations to all of the 2013 Warrior Games competitors,” said Charlie Huebner, chief of Paralympics for the United States Olympic Committee, while addressing the crowd at closing ceremonies. “While we celebrate medals, this competition is really an example of how sport can change lives. We hope these service members and veterans don’t stop here. The goal is for them to return home and get involved in sport programs in their communities.”

Team Navy, which trains for the Warrior Games at Naval Base Ventura County, earned a total of 23 medals at the 2013 event, including eight gold, five silver and 10 bronze medals. Team Navy achieved third place in the final team standings; it was bested by Team Marines, which received the Warrior Games Chairman’s Cup for the fourth consecutive year, and Team Army.

This was a ground-breaking year for Team Navy. The team had more female competitors than ever before, including its first-ever female Ultimate Champion contender, Navy Chief Gunner’s Mate Jeannette Tarqueno. Also, for the first time since the inception of the Warrior Games, a female won a gold medal in a shooting event — Team Navy’s Lt. j.g. Laura Root.

Team Navy also took home more gold medals than ever before in field events, throwing several lifetime-bests during the track and field competition.

“Our wounded warrior athletes demonstrated amazing skill, perseverance and heart,” said Navy Lt. Megan Haydel, who coordinates the Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor adaptive athletics program. “They have really grown as a team, and they made a lot of wonderful memories and friendships during the Warrior Games this year.”

More than 200 wounded service members from the U.S. and the U.K. participated in the Warrior Games, which were presented by Deloitte and hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee. The teams include Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Special Operations and the U.K. Armed Forces.